Myth: Children need to be wrapped in cotton wool to keep them safe

Health and safety law is often used as an excuse to stop children taking part in exciting activities, but well-managed risk is good for them.

Myth: Health and safety laws ban bonfires

Despite the story of a rugby club showing a film of a bonfire instead of lighting a real one, health and safety legislation doesn’t ban them.

Myth: HSE bans this, that and the other

There have been many reports of HSE, being responsible for banning all sorts of things.

Myth: Even Mr Punch needs a written risk assessment

HSEs guidance is clear: if there is genuinely no significant risk, nothing needs to be written down.

Myth: Health and safety laws banned poles in fire stations

Poles are not banned and firefighters around the country continue to use them.

Myth: Adults can't put plasters on children's cuts

There is no rule that says a responsible adult can’t put a plaster on a child's minor cut

Myth: All park benches must be replaced because they are 3 inches too low

The reality When we heard this story it really took us by surprise. How could there be health & safety law on this? The simple answer is, there isn’t.

Myth: Health and safety laws banned hanging baskets

Back in 2004 a town did briefly take down its hanging baskets over fears that old lamp posts would collapse.

Myth: If a pupil is hurt, the teacher is likely to be sued

The main legal duties lie with the employer, not the teacher – or even the head teacher, unless they own the school and employ the staff.

Myth: Every possible risk needs a safety sign

Using too many signs just guarantees no one will read any of them.

Myth: Safety Experts resolve to make people miserable

Not according to businesses

Myth: Children were banned from riding at a donkey derby

We recently heard that HSE had banned children from riding donkeys in a donkey derby and so had to be replaced with inflatable sheep.

Myth: Workers banned from putting up decorations

Bah Humbug! Each year we hear of companies banning their workers from putting up Christmas decorations in their offices for ‘health and safety’ reasons, or requiring the work to be done by a ‘qualified’ person.

The myth: HSE has banned stepladders

The reality, they have not banned stepladders - nor have we banned ladders!

The myth: Risk assessments must always be long and complex

On its own, paperwork never saved anyone.

The myth: All office equipment must be tested by a qualified electrician every year

The reality; No. The law requires employers to assess risks and take appropriate action.

The myth: New regulations would require trapeze artists to wear hard hats

This story is utter nonsense.

The myth: Egg boxes are banned in craft lessons as they might cause salmonella